More random thoughts
Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Cognitive Tutor seems pretty simplistic. The example they run throug with creating a learning card for fractional addition seems flawed. I’d constrain it based on algebraic rules and probable decisions made by children (multiply them together, or do a gcd) rather than enumerating all possible choices. Of course, I tend to be a deductivist, so I’d explain the rules of algebra as they relate to fractions before giving examples.
The other thing that may be interesting is that *making* the notes for a spaced learning system such as mnemosyne may add to understanding…It would be difficult to verify notes that students create, but it’s definitely something to explore (even if it does require grading of the notes for correctness by a competent human.)
Procedural Web Design
An interesting project would be procedurally create web layouts following some basic rules (Stuff in basic design books and “don’t make me think”, along with some color theory). It’d definitely be useful, as well.